Sail Training Has Set Sail on a Course Towards Ocean Literacy

Abstract

Sail training is a non-formal, alternative education space, providing adventurous experiential learning on-board ocean-going sailing vessels for young people up to 25 years old. It facilitates the growth of key competencies through the provision of personal development and active citizenship, whilst in an arduous environment. This is achieved by encompassing youth mobility, heterogeneity, broadening horizons, and assisting the learning of new skills. Whilst raising the awareness of new possibilities through working as crew members to complete a seagoing voyage, it embraces adaptability and change; advocating social cohesion and cultural awareness with an objective to build positive relationships in the local community and beyond. This chapter introduces the maritime alternative education space of sail training with an overview of its evolution, adding context to the definition above. This is followed by how current operations can provide activities related to the Ocean Literacy Framework (OLF). Next is an analysis of an ocean literacy audit of the Tall Ships America (TSA) fleet. Lastly, an introduction to the UN Decade for Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals is provided to identify how the European sail training fleet currently focuses on sustainability and their SDG 14: life below water-associated activities.